What we offer

Why did our ancestors build their homes out in the water for thousands of years? Experience a unique learning journey as you travel back in time at the Scottish Crannog Centre, a 5 Star heritage and environmental centre featuring Scotland's only authentic recreation of an Iron Age loch-dwelling.

Walk over water, re-discover ancient technology and live with history as costumed guides inspire you with the lifestyle of a high-status Celtic community. Our waterborne thatched roundhouse is based directly on the results of more than 20 years of research and excavations in Loch Tay.

Facilities include exhibition hall, themed gift shop, outdoor activity area and light refreshments. The Centre has won several national awards, is committed to responsible management and works to promote awareness and enjoyment of Scotland's cultural and natural resources to people of all ages. Groups are most welcome. Please book in advance.

Originally built as an archaeological experiment, The Crannog is an authentic recreation of the Oakbank Crannog which lies in Fearnan Bay, Loch Tay.

Underwater Archaeologists spent many hours excavating in Loch Tay in an effort to discover how the Celtic people lived. Their findings were extraordinary: the cold peaty waters of the loch perfectly preserved many items lost or discarded in the waters meaning they were able to build up an accurate picture of day to day life in the Iron Age. Finds included nuts, pips and seeds indicating the types of food the Crannog dwellers ate; droppings indicating the kind animals they kept and the fact that the animals and families lived in the Crannog together and much, much more.

All these discoveries are reflected in a visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre today. Guided tours include a walk through the exhibition area featuring many of the 2,500 year old artefacts from Oakbank, a talk by a costumed expert guide in the Crannog Roundhouse and demonstrations of ancient crafts and skills culminating in the magical fire-making by friction!

All visits to the Scottish Crannog Centre offer hands-on opportunities for all ages. Unique, authentic and award-winning, it is truly an experience to remember!

What makes us a great choice?

We bring history and archaeology to life from our discoveries underwater. Youngsters and group leaders alike can dress up, absorb the atmosphere in the authentic Iron Age roundhouse, handle replica artefacts and participate directly in crafts and ancient technologies including wood-turning, stone-working, wool-spinning and weaving, food processing and even fire-making without matches.

Education Officer Information

Pricing Information

Group Tickets for parties of 12 or more are priced:

Adults: £7.50Children (age 5 - 16): £6.50Students (age 17+): £7.50Teacher £7.50Please contact use regarding smaller group prices for 2017We request a minimum of 25% deposit at the time of confirming a booking. Many pay in full in advance or on the day. Please let us know if this is a problem.For every 10 children - 1 teacher or supervising adult goes FREE.

First Aid Information

Available Facilities

We have a gift shop and a small kiosk for light refreshments. We do not have an indoor dining area. We have a small outside area under a marquee but this only covers up to 30 children at a time.

In busy periods there is no provision for eating packed lunches but there is a forestry picnic site with public toilets just 2 miles away. Prices in the gift shop start under £1 with several items in the £2.50 - £5.00 range. We also have books, jewellery, craft kits, and other giftware. Beverages and biscuits are in the £1.00 - £3.00 range.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

We are suitable for assisted disabled access. Uneven timbers of the Crannog walkway make access for wheelchairs bumpy but possible when the chair is pulled backwards. It is not recommended for those suffering spinal injuries however. We have gravel paths outside which are suitable for most wheelchairs, and we have one toilet for disabled visitors and one standard toilet.

Opening Hours & Information

Testimonials

The Crannog Centre brings history to life for our students as they are transported back in time. They experience first-hand how life was during the Iron Age, as they spend time in the Crannog, use ancient tools and gain a wealth of information from their guides. The students at the international school look forward to their annual visit.

Andy and Matt (The International School of Aberdeen)

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